By Dorothy Onoja
The Kogi State Government has identified four local government areas with low performance in routine immunization for outreach sessions.
Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, the Kogi State Commissioner for Health, made this announcement during a speech commemorating the 2024 African Vaccination Week and fifty years of the Expanded Program on Immunization in Lokoja.
Dr. Adeiza stressed the importance of a coordinated approach to address vaccination challenges in the state.
He expressed gratitude to UNICEF for pledging support to an additional eight local government areas during the vaccination week and assured that the state government is committed to supporting the health of its people.
The Commissioner also highlighted the involvement of stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, in addressing vaccination challenges.
He emphasized the crucial role that vaccination plays in safeguarding the health and well-being of communities in Africa, Nigeria, and particularly Kogi State.
Dr. Adeiza thanked healthcare workers, volunteers, and partners, such as WHO and UNICEF, for their tireless efforts in ensuring that everyone, especially children and women, receives life-saving vaccines.
African Vaccination Week is an annual event celebrated during the last week of April, in alignment with other WHO regions and the World Immunization Week led by the WHO Regional Office for Africa.
AVW aims to enhance immunization programs in the African Region by raising awareness of the importance of protecting every individual, particularly children and women, from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Dr. Adeiza noted that the state has made significant progress in its vaccination efforts through robust immunization programs and outreach initiatives.
Dr. Abdulaziz highlighted the significant increase in vaccine coverage rates, ensuring that every individual is now included in the vaccination program.
As at end of 2023, the Commissioner said a total of 138,999 children who were previously unvaccinated have been successfully reached with RI antigens, resulting in an impressive 80% reduction in unvaccinated individuals.
Dr. Abdlazeez emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts to raise awareness about the critical role of vaccination and dispelling any myths or misconceptions that may hinder vaccination progress.
He said despite the notable achievements thus far; it is imperative to continue educating the public on the benefits of vaccination to further enhance public health outcomes.
